Court Square: A Vital Transportation Hub in Long Island City, Queens

The Court Square station is a subway complex located in Long Island City, Queens, New York. It serves as an important transfer point between several subway lines, making it a key station for travel between Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Its strategic location in a rapidly developing area makes it a fundamental access point for residents, workers, and visitors to Long Island City.

Connections and Services

The Court Square station is a complex formed by three originally separate stations, now interconnected:

Court Square (IND Queens Boulevard and IND Crosstown lines)

• This part of the complex includes platforms for the IND Queens Boulevard and IND Crosstown lines.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • E (blue)
  • M (orange) – (Weekdays only)
  • G (lime green)
• Main entrance address: Multiple entrances around Jackson Avenue, Court Square, and 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101

Court Square–23rd Street (IRT Flushing Line)

• This part of the complex is an elevated station of the IRT Flushing Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 7 (purple)
  • <7> (purple diamond) – (Peak-direction express service during rush hours)
• Entrances to this section of the station are primarily located at the intersection of 23rd Street and 45th Road.

The interconnection between these three stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the IND Queens Boulevard, IND Crosstown, and IRT Flushing lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located in the Court Square area of Long Island City, Queens, near the courthouse from which it takes its name.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Long Island City (LIC)

    • A rapidly growing neighborhood known for its residential skyscrapers, art spaces, and views of the Manhattan skyline.
    • Proximity to the East River and Gantry Plaza State Park.
    • A hub for offices and new businesses.

  • Cultural Institutions

    • MoMA PS1: One of the largest and oldest contemporary art institutions in the U.S.
    • SculptureCenter: Museum dedicated to contemporary sculpture.
    • The Secret Theatre: Performing arts space.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Queens County Supreme Courthouse.
    • Numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area.

History and Evolution

• The IRT Flushing Line station (originally named Hunters Point Avenue, later 45th Road–Court House Square) opened on November 5, 1916.
• The IND Queens Boulevard (Court Square) and Crosstown (23rd Street–Ely Avenue) line stations opened on August 19, 1933.
• An important connection between the G and 7 platforms opened in 2011, and the complete connection between the three stations was finalized with the integration of the E/M platforms. The IND Crosstown station was renamed Court Square–23rd Street.

Interesting Facts

• It is an important transfer hub connecting three distinct lines and two different subway divisions (IRT and IND).
• Its development and improved connections reflect the growth and transformation of Long Island City in recent decades.
• The complex includes platforms at different levels: underground (E, M, G) and elevated (7).